Is Myanmar heading for civil war?

Zack, Alex, and returning guest Jen Kirby talk about the potential for a “bloodbath” in Myanmar. Since the military deposed the democratic government in a February 1 coup, pro-democracy protesters and armed ethnic groups have risen up against the junta. They’ve been met with extreme violence, leading to more than 500 dead and concerns from experts that a broader civil war is coming. The Worldly crew explains how this horrible situation came to be, what may come next, and what — if anything — the international community can do to stop a Syria-like crisis.

References:

The Associated Press has a good story on the air campaign against the Karen ethnic group.

Reuters describes the struggle of pro-democracy protesters and ethnic groups against Myanmar’s military junta.

Some experts think Myanmar is on the verge of becoming a “failed state,” per CNBC.

The RAND think tank has a long study on how insurgencies end.

Expert Ashley South has a report on the Karen and their long conflict against Myanmar’s government.

Here’s the Mother Jones interview with a pro-democracy protester Zack mentioned.

And here’s Vox’s explainer on the Myanmar coup.

Hosts:
Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), senior correspondent, Vox
Jennifer Williams (@jenn_ruth), senior foreign editor, Vox
Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox), White House reporter, Vox
 
Consider contributing to Vox:
If you value Worldly’s work, please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts
 
More to explore:
Subscribe for free to Today, Explained, Vox’s daily podcast to help you understand the news, hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
 
About Vox:
Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines.
 
Follow Us:
Vox.com 
Newsletter: Vox Sentences
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices